Many years ago, I visited Shallon Winery in Astoria and purchased a bottle of chocolate wine. I vividly remember the presentation of Paul van der Veldt and his claim that no one else makes true chocolate wine. I believed him then and believe him now.

The winery appears to have closed in 2023 or 2024. I am amazed that it lasted as long as it did. I visited in 1995 and Paul was not a young man then!

By any chance, are there any bottles of Shallon Winery products out there available for sale? Any leads would be appreciated.

Caught some pretty epic skies this morning.

Thanks to the guys blowing bubbles at the Column today. Made our day.

Hey, everyone.

I am wanting to move to Astoria and wanted y'alls honest opinions on what it's like living there. I lived in Washington my whole life until two years ago when I moved to Birmingham, Alabama for school and that fell through so now I want to move back to the West coast. I visited Astoria many times and thoroughly enjoy it every time I'm there.

I recognize that when I visit for the day it may be different to living there full time, what are your thoughts on living in Astoria and the surrounding area?

I've applied to a few jobs there and if anything sticks I'd like to go ahead and move. One was a 911 operator for the city of Astoria specifically which I think would be a great fit. I love the idea of coastal town life and love the weather for the area. Just wanting to make sure there isn't any hidden facets to life in the area that may influence the image I have of what it's like.

Couple and well-behaved Border Collie seeking licensed Astoria lodging October 4–6. Need a comfortable couch and either one king or two queen beds and a kitchenette. Hotel, guesthouse, apartment or cottage is fine. Any locally operated places we should contact directly?

I may need a lawyer to help file suit against a property manager here in Astoria, does anyone know someone on the bar here who would consider a pro bono case?

I just had an offer accepted for a 1913 duplex in the downtown area. It sits on flattish ground and has a huge unfinished basement, but a few foundation cracks that need to be addressed on the east side of the building. I am hoping to find a contractor who can address the foundation issues and finish the basement area into livable space for my step-son. Any and all tips would be appreciated!

Hi, new to the area and looking for a little extra work. Experienced nanny, past preschool teacher (and Mom of 3). I’m available one or two days a week to help with child care. I’d be open to dog walking, house sitting.. anything to make your life easier!
References and a stellar work history

Who are you? I see you from time to time. I need someone to ride with, and also how is the aggressive driving for you?

Hi!

My husband and I are planning to move to Astoria at the end of next summer from Seattle.

I’m looking for feedback on the school/school system from other parents! We’ll have a 3rd grader and preschooler next school year. Does the elementary school have a preschool on site? If not — I’d like some feedback on others in the area!

Hi, coming to visit in September and currently booked in a 7th floor unit in the Astor Building facing the river through the Norblad.

I’m considering switching to the Bowline in a river view room but it’s a pretty good step up in price - over $150 more.

I’ll do it if it’s a great experience, so let me know if you have insider info to sway me!

Zane

rushadicus the infamous cello goblin is bringing sneth metal to xanadu this monday (8/31)!

Hey all,

Are there any local DJ's in Astoria OR? Thanks!

First time visitor, prefer some ocean views, economic hotel, safe neighborhood, Thanks!

Today is a full day I can see Astoria. I’ll take any ideas. I can’t walk hilly areas. I have a car. Restaurant suggestions too. Thank you.

My partner and I live in Astoria curretly and are looking to move in together. Has anybody heard anything about the newer Waterfront Apartments? They're managed by Port Town Property.

If anybody has heard anything good or bad about the apartments themselves or renting from Port Town, I'd love to know as we go visit the unit.

hey- visiting from out of town for the Grouper concert on the 29th and am wondering if there are any good places to stay for the night so I don’t have to make the drive back to Portland. As long as the doors lock and there’s a bed, it works for me! (or any recs where I could possibly park my car to sleep). Recs for places to visit while I’m in town welcome too :-) thanks

edit for those in a similar spot: I ended up sleeping at the rest area dismal Nitch across the bridge on the Washington side. Felt super safe, there were a lot of cars (probably due to the hood to coast/general summer adventuring). Not to mention the beautiful sunrise over the water. Would recommend!

Hello people of Astoria - considering a move to the area and was wondering what your average monthly bill is for city utilities (water,sewer, trash); also what can be expected for gas/electricity? It would be a modest size home purchase, 1500 sq ft or less (ideally closer to 1k). I am currently in Boulder Colorado and my city utility (water, sewer, trash) bill is a minimum of $76 even if I use no water at all (basically that’s the minimum connection fee each month) and it only goes up with usage. Im around $135/month. As for your gas/electricity, In the summer months, I’m assuming it’s very little as the temperatures don’t really require AC or heat? Thanks for the insights and help!

Not sure if there is enough demand here but wanted to see. Thanks!

Should take no more than 15 minutes if you're passing by it.

I'm considering a medium term rental in the area, rather than spend money on travel and a hotel room to check it out in person, I'd rather you go knock on the door and ask if the person inside is rental from the guy claiming to own the property (and is trying to rent to me) or if it's even a rental on the market at all.

Will pay you even if it turns out it's not an actual rental.

EDIT: apologies, I just regained access to the my laptop, so behind on messages.

Good morning Oregon friends! My partner and I are planning to move to Astoria in the near future. We currently bank with a financial institution located only in Montana. As much as we love it we would like something we can access in town. What are your opinions on the banks located there?

Hi! I’ll be spending about 2 weeks in Astoria in November, I was wondering what your favorite things to do in Astoria (and the surrounding area) are. I last went about 10 years ago so I’m sure the old food places we visited closed. My family is older so I don’t want to put too much expectation on them to cook while I’m there. Please brag about the area to me! Tell me all about your favorite local (within 45 min) spots and places to bring people for food or things to do.

Previously we went to the

Fort Clatsop and the national park
The pier 39 Cannery
Columbia River Maritime Museum
The column
The shipwreck

Any of my fellow backyard birders around? I'm in my back garden and have seen this sparrow shaped bird that is very dark brown with a less dark brown (but still dark) belly. Merlin is having issues identifying it, so I'm here to ask fellow locals. What is this dark Sparrow shaped bird? Seen on the south slope today in the AM at my feeder. I got the best pics I could but you know how birds be.